Crankbaits Makeoverby Captain Alex Suescun Crankbaits these days come in just about every size, color, and action. But some of them, I found, can be customized to perform better in specific situations. The Rat-L-Trap, one of my all-time favorites, is a good example. I’ve used it shallow and deep, inshore and offshore, in freshwater and in the salt, and I’m convinced that there isn’t a better lure to cover lots of water and locate fish fast. But as good as the Rat-L-Trap is, I found some room for improvement. Anglers who are familiar with the Rat-L-Traps know that all, but the Saltwater and Magnum models, come rigged with a large treble hook on the belly and a smaller one on the tail. Bill Lewis, the maker of Rat-L-Traps, does install heftier hardware, including two big trebles of equal size on the larger models. But the 1/2 Oz. size, my favorite for the flats and shallow bays, still comes with a small rear treble that just isn’t strong enough to hold a big fish. That problem cost me several nice redfish and snook before I finally decided to do something about it. The dilemma was, of course, that I couldn’t just substitute the small rear treble with a larger, stronger one, since having two large trebles allows them to meet and often tangle. But, aggravated after losing a real trophy, I once clipped off the mangled little treble with my pliers, took off the larger one from the belly of the lure, and then put that hook in back of the plug. I didn’t know it yet, but that little change would have a drastic impact on the outcome of many of my future outings. No, it didn’t alter the action of the crankbait at all, but with the single treble tucked behind its body as it swims, the Rat-L-Trap becomes far more weedless. And now I can cast it tight against the mangroves, and retrieve it slowly over oyster bars (even crawling it to stay in contact with the bottom), without getting hung up very often. Soon after I made the hook switch I also realized another major improvement, the larger single treble was hooking and holding on to more of the fish that struck the artificial. Now I could hook, and fight big fish, applying a great deal of pressure without the fear of straightening or reaping the tiny hook out! After a little more tinkering with single hooks and trebles of various types, I decided to completely forgo the factory trebles, opting to install a single quadruple strength treble (one size larger than the original belly hook) in the rear. The heavier gauge wire of the larger hook did not alter the action, and I haven’t met a redfish yet that could bend open one of the extra strength hooks. The split rings, by the way, have never been a problem for me. But you can trade the original ones for a larger size also, if it makes you feel safer. By the way, other companies have introduced lipless crankbaits similar to the Rat-L-trap (Bagley’s Shad-O-llac, Berkley Frenzy, Yo-Zuri Vibe, MirrOlure Rockin’ Rattl’r, and Rattlin’ Rapala), and the proposed alterations are likely to work with these lures as well. Note, however, that while this customization works well on sinking or diving crankbaits, it may not produce the same great results on floating models of the same lures, which depend on a specific level of balance and buoyancy to perform at their best. A floating Rapala, for instance, can carry very little extra weight, so adding bigger, heavier duty hooks is likely to hinder its action. My only other complaint about the Rat-L-Trap is that its metallic finishes, which both the fish and I tend to favor, seems to chip off fairly easily. Now, I know bass (the fish for which Rat-L-traps and similar lipless crankbaits were designed) are not nearly as tough on a lure as redfish and other large saltwater predators, but somehow it seems that it is always the one lure getting all the strikes that loses its flash right in the midst of a good bite or a feeding frenzy. Though some say it’s the loud rattling noise that instigates strikes and not the color or the flash of these lures, I’m still a firm believer in flashy plugs, especially when fishing in murky or tannic water. So, as insurance I always carry with me some reflective tape, the kind with the self-adhesive back sold at most craft stores (and a few tackle shops), along with permanent markers, just in case I need to touch up a lure quickly to help it regain a more natural look. 
The reflective tape, also known as metallic or Mylar tape, is fairly inexpensive and comes in a wide array of colors. I stick to silver, gold and chartreuse, the three colors I use most, according to the water clarity or lack thereof. I cut the tape into strips about 3/8 of an inch wide, and store them in a small Ziplock bag to keep them dry and at their flashiest whenever called into action. I use only one strip per side. I tried using larger pieces of tape cut in the shape of the lure, but creases often appeared (do to the curves of the lure’s shape). Because the wider strips also covered more of the lure, they somewhat muffled the rattling of the lure, and I’d rather keep my Rat-L-Traps as loud as possible. Besides, the flash of one thin strip does the job, so why take any chances giving up sound? This same material (metallic or Mylar tape) can be added to any hard bait to give it additional flash if desired. It can often spark up some action during a slow day. The magic markers? I use them to touch up the back of the lures when necessary. I like the contrast of the flashy sides and a darker back, and many fish have agreed with me over the years. So I usually carry Sharpies, which are waterproof, in green, black and blue. So, you think all this tinkering with a crankbait is more trouble than it’s worth? Bottom line: The discussed makeovers could pay major dividends. And by the way, other companies have introduced lipless crankbaits similar to the Rat-L-trap (Bagley’s Shad-O-llac, Berkley Frenzy, Yo-Zuri Vibe, MirrOlure Rockin’ Rattl’r, and Rattlin’ Rapala), and the proposed alterations are likely to work with these lures as well. Remember, even if it results in just one more redfish, touching up a lure is worth the effort. After all, that one extra red could turn out to be the one that propels your team into the finals, or perhaps even helps you win a tournament. So why not spend a few minutes making sure you get the most out of your crankbaits.
In 2005 Alex teamed up with Ron Horton, and together they posted the 4th Heaviest 1-day and 2-day weights in Redfish Cup history, ending the season with a strong “Top 10” finish in Clearwater, FL. A member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Alex has contributed close to 300 articles to top angling publications like Florida Sportsman, Saltwater Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing in Saltwater, Shallow Water Angler, Redfish Nation, and the Redfish Cup’s website, where he writes “The Captain’s Blog.” And since 1999 he’s also been the Host and Executive Producer of Tarpon Bay Tales, a popular TV fishing show seen across Florida and 10 other southern states. Capt. Alex is available for seminars, event promotions, and for video and still photography assignments. Contact him through his websites or by phone: 305-389-9367
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Capt. Alex Suescun grew up in South Florida, and has traveled extensively across the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America chasing after a wide variety of gamefish with light tackle for nearly 3 decades. He has 9 IGFA World Records to his credit, and has been competing and promoting sponsors on the professional redfish tournament trail since 2003.
